The alligator is a common reptile in Texas. Residents near Lewisville Lake have reported seeing an alligator 4 to 6 feet in length.

The American alligator

The alligator is a common reptile in Texas. Residents near Lewisville Lake have reported seeing an alligator 4 to 6 feet in length.

Photo: Courtesy Photo/U.S. Fish And Wildlife

Image 7 of 19

Feral hogs

When encountered, feral hogs prefer to run, but if the animal is injured or feels cornered, it may attack. The sharp tusks and quickness make this hog no "Babe."

Feral hogs

When encountered, feral hogs prefer to run, but if the animal is injured or feels cornered, it may attack. The sharp tusks and quickness make this hog no "Babe."

Photo: Shannon Tompkins

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Mountain lions (puma)

These wild cats don't recognize humans as prey, but if it is starving or young, it may recognize pure instinct. Mountain lions are common in South Texas.

Mountain lions (puma)

These wild cats don't recognize humans as prey, but if it is starving or young, it may recognize pure instinct. Mountain lions are common in South Texas.

Photo: DEA / P. JACCOD, Getty Images

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Rattlesnakes

There are nine different types of rattlesnakes that call Texas home, and all are poisonous and dangerous.

Rattlesnakes

There are nine different types of rattlesnakes that call Texas home, and all are poisonous and dangerous.

Photo: Shannon Tompkins, HC Staff

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The cottonmouth (water moccasin)

The water moccasin is a very aggressive snake. With semi-aquatic abilities, this snake is dangerous on land and in water.

The cottonmouth (water moccasin)

The water moccasin is a very aggressive snake. With semi-aquatic abilities, this snake is dangerous on land and in water.

Photo: Blaine Eaton, Courtesy

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Copperhead

The broad-banded copperhead, named for the color, is a venomous pit viper.

Copperhead

The broad-banded copperhead, named for the color, is a venomous pit viper.

Photo: Blaine Eaton, Courtesy

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Texas coral snake

The Texas coral snake is small but poisonous, and often confused for the king or scarlet snake. One way to be sure is to remember this saying, "Red into black, venom lack; red into yellow, kill a fellow." less

Texas coral snake

The Texas coral snake is small but poisonous, and often confused for the king or scarlet snake. One way to be sure is to remember this saying, "Red into black, venom lack; red into yellow, kill ... more

Photo: Courtesy Photos

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Scorpions

Texas has 18 species of scorpions, including this Striped Bark Scorpion. The sting usually is not deadly but is painful.

Scorpions

Texas has 18 species of scorpions, including this Striped Bark Scorpion. The sting usually is not deadly but is painful.

Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler, Getty Images

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Fire ants

These little buggers are among the most aggressive stinging insects in Texas. Fire ants will attack repeatedly if their colony or food source is threatened.

Fire ants

These little buggers are among the most aggressive stinging insects in Texas. Fire ants will attack repeatedly if their colony or food source is threatened.

Photo: HANDOUT, STR

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Black widow

The black widow spider is one of only two poisonous spiders in Texas. The bite can be extremely painful and require immediate medical attention.

Black widow

The black widow spider is one of only two poisonous spiders in Texas. The bite can be extremely painful and require immediate medical attention.

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Texas brown recluse

The Texas brown recluse is very stealth in its defense. The initial bite may be painless, leaving the victim unaware. The pain may not be noticeable for several hours. In some cases, victims may suffer from extreme tissue damage. less

Texas brown recluse

The Texas brown recluse is very stealth in its defense. The initial bite may be painless, leaving the victim unaware. The pain may not be noticeable for several hours. In some cases, victims ... more

Image 17 of 19

Sharks

The Gulf of Mexico has a massive population of different species of sharks, including the aggressive tiger shark.

Sharks

The Gulf of Mexico has a massive population of different species of sharks, including the aggressive tiger shark.

Photo: Michael Sohn, AP

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Portuguese man ' war

Every so often, the Portuguese man o' war will invade the Gulf of Mexico along Texas. This marine creature is venomous, but its sting is not usually deadly to humans. Be careful, a dead man o' war can still sting. less

Portuguese man ' war

Every so often, the Portuguese man o' war will invade the Gulf of Mexico along Texas. This marine creature is venomous, but its sting is not usually deadly to humans. Be careful, a dead man ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, AP

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Gator warning issued for North Texas lake

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SAN ANTONIO -- A game warden in Denton County has issued an alligator warning for Lewisville Lake and urges people to refrain from feeding the animals, according to CBSDFW.

Texas Game Warden Logan Griffin told CBSDFW, that the American Alligators located in the North Texas lake will try to avoid contact with humans, but visitors of the lake should avoid feeding the alligators to prevent contact.

“It is actually against the law to feed wild alligators, and that’s when you start getting into issues with alligators,” he said.

Feeding the animal makes it more comfortable with humans and gives it a reason to come around, Texas Game Warden Cliff Swofford told NBCDFW.

Swofford said the reptiles are indigenous to the area and people should not be worried about their ancient neighbors.

The department has had no reported attacks on humans or pets in North Texas that Swofford was aware of, according to NBC.

In July, ABC 13 reported that a fisherman was attacked by an alligator at Sheldon Lake Park in East Houston.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the American Alligator is a protected species, but was taken off the endangered species list in 1978.

It’s illegal to kill an alligator unless it’s on your property and in self-defense or during a designated hunting season, Swofford told NBC.

cferrand@express-news.net

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